Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a type of cot that fixes to the bed's side. Some have sides that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for babies with reflux.
MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was easy to build and the directions were simple. It was a quick construction. It folds into the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
Bedside cribs are generally simple to set up and are on the smaller side so they fit neatly alongside your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions and simple zips." This crib can also function as a travel cot and comes with a handy bag to carry it around traveling. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit on any mattress.
Some cribs for bedside use an additional side panel that can be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without having to get out of your bed. This is an excellent option for mothers who are breastfeeding or those who want to be close to their infant throughout the night but don't want to risk co-sleeping.
Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position that can be beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position should only be used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before attempting it.
Many bedside cribs come with an umbrella to protect your baby from sound or light. This can help calm the baby. Some have a storage compartment underneath, which is great for stashing extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Some cribs that are bedside can be transformed into standalone cots or toddler beds and is a big selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner The Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt that make it versatile enough for travelling. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be matched to your bed. Our MFM home test participants praised the Joie Roomie Go for being comfortable and easy to set up and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play is a different popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy and comfortable
You can monitor your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's a great option for a new mum recovering from a c-section, since you can easily carry your baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without needing to get up. The cosiest cribs have mesh sides that allow you to view your baby's face through.
Some cribs lower the barrier completely, giving you the convenience of co-sleeping without the associated risks (check whether the crib you're considering is in compliance with the most recent safety standards though). Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier and then raise it again after you take baby out. This is a good option for parents who are concerned about their child falling off their mattress.
The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket - is designed to clip onto bedsteads and divan beds, however it does require some longer straps than other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. Additionally, it has an integrated reflux setting as well as the 360 swivel, to allow you to rotate the crib to suit your baby's position.
If you are seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee has oak legs and a range of fabric options that will fit in with your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together as Georgina who participated in our MFM tests assembled it quickly and didn't need to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size, yet it's compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been clearer regarding the zips.
Easy to clean
When you're looking at travel cots and bedside cribs make sure they have a mattress cover that is removable which can be washed in the machine. This will allow you to keep it clean from leaky nappies, sick babies and spills. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that is able to be disassembled and dismantled in parts, so you can get into all the nooks and crannies to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session.
This is vital, as it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the sides of your crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas where your baby could potentially slip down or become trapped.
You'll also need to make sure that the crib is easy to clean and that it's a good fit with your bed. This is especially crucial in the case of a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be tethered securely to the parent's side, giving parents to easily access to their infant during the night to feed and soothe their baby while still ensuring the security that separate sleeping areas provide.
Another thing to think about when selecting a crib for your bed is whether it has any extra features you might find useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because the baby's head and feet won't get caught in gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot rather than use one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Used mattresses tend to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the most recent standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure safe and effective sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night without having to leave your bed to sleep. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. They usually have a side panel which can be removed to allow you to be able to see your baby and hold the baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and comfortable with your baby while minimizing the risks of sharing a bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or include additional features such as rocking, tilting (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this) or even turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings, as well as a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a little larger and heavier than some of our more travel-friendly cribs however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. bedside baby sleeper is also easy to clean thanks to an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and a storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is wonderful because it is "easy to reach the baby during the night to provide a relaxed feeding, and it's larger than other Moses Baskets so it will last a longer time before my son grows out". She also likes how easy it is to clean and feels solid and well-made. It's also designed to fit on a divan, which makes it a great option for those with little space. It also comes with a handy bag to take to your next trip. A perfect all-rounder.